'Attempted hijacking' forces flight back to Washington DC

A man has been detained by passengers after allegedly screaming "jihad" and charging the cockpit of a US domestic flight, forcing the plane to return to its point of departure shortly after take-off.

The United Airlines flight from Dulles International Airport, Washington DC, to Denver, Colorado, was abandoned when a passenger "refused to comply with crew instructions", according to a statement released by the carrier.

The unruly passenger allegedly shouted "jihad" and charged the cockpit of the plane before he was restrained.

Video of the incident shows the man, referred to as "David", being held down by flight staff and passengers as he cries and says "I'm sorry."

He appears to be bleeding from a facial injury.

Authorities detained the man as soon as the plane was back at the gate.

Airport spokeswoman Kimberly Gibbs said he was taken to a local hospital for "evaluation".

Rumours are swirling on the internet that the incident was an attempted hijack.